New Plymouth

New Plymouth is the main centre of the Taranaki region, which has a population of 110,000.
The area has enjoyed the benefits of oil, gas and petrochemical activity and some of the public facilities in the city reflect this relative prosperity.
Modernisation has begun in the CBD with many new eateries and bars opening up, including boutique designer stores and artisanal producers.

By plane

• New Plymouth Airportis on the coast 7 km to the north-east of the city at Bell Block. A shuttle is available to town for $25.

Air New Zealand Link operates services from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, with 6–7 return flights daily to each, using 50-seat turboprop aircraft. Jetstar flies from Auckland, but this will cease after 30 Nov 2019. Originair flies occasionally from Napier and Nelson.
On the rare days when Mount Taranaki is totally free of cloud, southbound flights can get spectacular views of the mountaintop.

By bus

National bus operator InterCity Coachlines provides daily services in and out of New Plymouth and the Taranaki region with connections throughout the North Island. Fares start from just $1 and can be purchased online or via numerous local agents including the i-SITE information network. Services arrive and depart from the main bus terminal at 19 Ariki St in the city centre.

By car

State Highway 3 passes through New Plymouth.
From the north (Auckland or Hamilton): State Highway 3 diverges from State Highway 1 at Hamilton and runs via Te Kuiti in the King Country and Waitara in Taranaki. New Plymouth is about 270 km from Hamilton and takes at least 3.5 hours by car, though allow 4.5 hours to be safe. A section of this road is narrow, winding, and includes a short single-lane tunnel. It is prone to closure by slips in bad weather.
From the south (Wellington and Palmerston North): Travel via State Highway 1 and/or State Highway 3 to Bulls then via State Highway 3 through Whanganui to Hawera, then inland via Stratford (which always has petrol 2c a litre cheaper than the standard price) and Inglewood. Wellington to New Plymouth is ~360 km and takes 4.5 - 5.5 hours non-stop, depending on traffic near Wellington; allow 6 - 7 hours including scenic stops and rest breaks.
State Highway 45, The Surf Highway, which follows the coast (though seldom in sight of it) around the west of the mountain, via Opunake, is ~25 km longer and hillier, but scenic, alternative route from Hawera. Allow an extra half hour over travelling State Highway 3 direct.
State Highway 43, The Forgotten World Highway, intersects State Highway 3 at Stratford. This can be an interesting alternative trip from the Central North Island via Taumarunui. The road winds and climbs for 160km and includes about 30km unsealed though a spectacularly beautiful gorge. It's worth stopping at the numerous historical information boards along the way. Allow 4-6 hours. (Note: There is no petrol available between Stratford and Taumarunui and this highway section is difficult to maintain.)

By train

Passenger rail services ceased in 1985. The remaining railway line is used for goods entering and leaving the port. On rare occasions, a steam engine can be seen on the track. This most likely will be from the Waitara Railway Preservation Society, which runs the engine between Waitara and Lepperton.

Within the city of New Plymouth, walking is certainly an attractive option. There is the very nice walking "path" or coastal promenade which gives the walked a good view of the Tasman Sea as well as being close to the downtown business section of the city. Important amenities such as the Library, the Botanical Gardens and other shopping are within easy walking distance of this coastal promenade.

By bus

There are buses on eleven routes on weekdays, branded as Citylink, supported by Taranaki Regional Council. On Saturday buses run on two routes, and none run on Sunday. Within New Plymouth a single fare is $3.70.

• Puke Ariki

  address: 1 Ariki St
  Museum, library, visitor information centre, restaurant and cafe. Free entry.

• Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

  address: Queen St
  One of New Zealand's finest collections of Modern Art. Has a very good cafe and gift shop. Attached to it is the Len Lye Centre, which opened in 2015 in a shiny new extension and houses a collection of works by kinetic artist Len Lye.

• Pukekura ParkThe city's botanical gardens. Excellent and well worth walking around. There are themed garden areas, small ponds and "lakes", attractive bridges and wonderful trails. Attached to the park is Brooklands a further large park, with concert stage and a small zoo.

• Wind Wand

  address: on the Coastal Walkway
  A kinetic sculpture designed by Len Lye. It is a 45m pole, with a soft red light on top at night, that moves in the wind.

• TSB Bank Bowls New Zealand Museum

  address: Dean Park, Brooklands Road
  the world's only lawn bowls museum

• Kina NZ Art and Design Space

  phone: +64 6759 1201
  address: 101 Devon St West
  Commercial art gallery

• WOMAD

  address: Bowl of Brooklands
  The World of Music, Arts and Dance festival.

• The Festival Of Lights

  address: Pukekura Park
  Runs annually for about 8 weeks in December and January. The beautiful Pukekura Park in the centre of New Plymouth is lit up, with live entertainment and activities for all ages.

• New Plymouth Observatory

  address: Marsland Hill, Robe St
  Volunteer run observatory

• Precision Helicopters LtdScenic flights around New Plymouth and nationwide air charter services.

• New World Supermarket

  address: 78 Courtenay St

• Pak'nSave Supermarket

  address: 53 Leach St

• India Today

  address: 40 Devon St
  A great place for Northern Indian food.

• Pankawalla

  address: 85 Devon Street West
  Good Indian cuisine.

• Crowded House Bar & Cafe

  address: 93 - 99 Devon Street East

• Belt Road Holiday Park

  address: 2 Belt Rd, Moturoa
  The campground has an excellent view out over the Tasman Sea to the north-west as well as the city's harbour just below and with a view of Mt Egmont to the south east when it's clear.

• Carrington Motel

  phone: +64 6 757 9431
  address: 61 Carrington Street

• Quest Serviced Apartments

  address: 21 Currie Street
  Apartment style accommodation comprising of 41 Studio, one bedroom and two bedroom self contained apartments. Located on Currie Street in the current Post Office Building

• Fitzroy Beach Motel

  address: 25 Beach St, Fitzroy
  Opened in 2009, the newest luxury coastal motel accommodation in town. Free bikes for hire and usage on the proximal coastal walkway. 200m from a lifeguard patrolled beach.

• Timandra Motel

  phone: +64 6 7586006
  address: 31B Timandra Street, New Plymouth
  The Timandra Motel is a quiet yet centrally located motel at the end of Timandra Street, a no exit road just off State Highway 3. The motel has extensive gardens and offers a mixture of 1 & 2 bedroom en-suite accommodation, suitable for individuals, couples or family groups.

• YHA New Plymouth Sunflower Lodge

  phone: +64 6 759 0050
  address: 33 Timandra Street

• New Plymouth Public Library has free Internet and WiFi access during library hours.

• Mt Taranaki (Mt Egmont National Park) is a short drive from New Plymouth. There is a Visitor Centre at the Park Headquarters and many trails up and around the mountain start there. The Visitor Centre is at an elevation of around 900 m so if you plan to hike higher, be aware that the summit is another 1600 metres above you. Watch the weather because it can change quickly.
• Stratford - inland Taranaki town